The Wrong Sorts of Want

I want

We often do wanting wrong.

Want-yeah-but is what happens when we want something, deep down doubt it’s possible, and list all the reasons why what we want just can’t be.

Want-hope-so is what happens when we want something, deep down doubt it’s possible, but pray that luck is on our side this time.

Want-damn-it is what happens when we want something, deep down doubt it’s possible, but think our only hope is to press hard to make it happen.

These approaches fail because they all sprout from that deep down doubt.

What does work is Want-know-it. This happens when we want something, feel good about it, and anticipate–with curiosity (“Wonder how it will happen?”) and quiet excitement–it’s arrival.

 

In your corner,

Mike

PS: Want-know-it can be a difficult trick sometimes. We have to set aside doubt. We have to do that in the face of evidence we have gathered for decades to prove to ourselves that we should doubt. Luckily, we get better with practice. And we have a good chance of success even if we use Want-know-it a fraction of the time.

PPS: We can tell Want-know-it from the other three because they all feel a little or a lot bad when we use them.

Today’s photo credit: The Moon 10-22-2010 via photopin (license)

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